§ Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Education if he will make a grant to the Royal School of Needlework and its workroom, in view of the fact that it is of historic interest and one of the few remaining links with the ancient guild system.
§ Sir D. EcclesThe Ministry of Education has made annual grants to the Royal School of Needlework in respect of its educational activities since 1947. The amount has recently been increased. I understand that in spite of this assistance the School as a whole has run at a considerable loss for a number of years and the Council now see no alternative but to close it. They have issued a statement, a copy of which I am sending the hon. Member. I am glad to say that the future of the existing students has been safeguarded and I have good reason to hope that we shall find other ways of developing the teaching of embroidery design and the technical skills of embroidery at the highest level.